GIVING THE gift of life. That opportunity is being made available by the American Red Cross at several local venues.

The Red Cross has issued an advisory that blood donors are urgently needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood.

It is not uncommon for blood donations to run low during summer months, when schools aren’t having blood drives, and donors are often too busy to make an appointment, due to vacations and holidays.

Such is the case again this season.

Red Cross officials noted that in late July, blood donations were at their lowest in 15 years, due to severe weather cancelling many drives across the nation.

More than 38,000 donors are needed daily to meet the blood demand in the U.S. That figure underlines the need for blood drives as well as for the public to support them.

The Ohio Valley has several upcoming blood drives, so those interested can find one nearby.

• Friday, Aug. 21, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

West Virginia Business College, 1052 Main St., Wheeling

• Monday, Aug. 24, noon to 5:30 p.m.

Ohio Valley Medical Center, 2000 Eoff St., Wheeling

• Thursday, Aug. 27, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Martins Ferry High School, 5000 Ayers Limestone Road, Martins Ferry

• Saturday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, 500 Fairmont Pike Road, Wheeling

Walk-ins are welcome while appointments can be made online at www.redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Blood is a precious commodity, one that can prove a lifesaver.

We urge all those who are physically able to make a difference to individuals in dire straits by donating at any of the upcoming blood drives.